The Small World Learning Centre on York Street in Bridgewater is planning to expand it's facility adding spaces for 90 more children it's programs. Photo: Small World Learning Centre/Facebook.
Bridgewater Town Council approved two motions during its latest meeting, focusing on downtown zoning regulations and addressing the growing demand for childcare spaces.
The first decision involved amendments to the town’s Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law.
These changes aim to better regulate the types of facilities allowed in Bridgewater’s downtown commercial zones. Council introduced a new definition for institutional uses that combine residential elements, such as rehabilitation centers and shelters, and clarified where these facilities can be located.
The adjustments restrict these uses in certain commercial zones while allowing them in designated areas, with King Street being one of the main areas impacted.
Multiple councillors including Mayor David Mitchell indicated that in conversations with residents, many expressed that having things like shelters on King Street which serves as the downtown core for Bridgewater wasn’t what they wanted to see.
The second motion approved the donation of three acres of surplus land on York Street to the Small World Learning Centre. The property is being sold for $1 to facilitate an expansion of the non-profit childcare provider, which plans to add 90 new spaces.
The presentation for Small World drew a significant crowd to the council meeting as well with many children who currently attend Small World in attendance. Multiple parents spoke in favour of the expansion noting that they were relieved when their children were accepted at Small World and hoped the expansion would allow more parents to access reliable childcare.
Councilor Jennifer McDonald also shared that more daycare spaces will help the town in other ways, “I recently was touring some prospective doctors around town and was able to take them to Small World and tell them about the planned expansion,” McDonald said. “One of their first questions was how long their waitlist is and we hear that from other professions and employers, so being able to tell them we are expanding childcare is very valuable.
A map showing the plot of land Bridgewater sold to Small World Learning Centre for $1 to facilitate the expansion of their facilities. Photo: Town of Bridgewater.
Both motions passed without significant opposition, and you can watch the full council meeting online.
